Joseph F. Brzana

Joseph Brzana, 94, entered life in heaven, surrounded by his family, on June 20, 2023.  Born May 26, 1929 in Windber. Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Frances (Korzuckowski) Brzana, beloved wife, Elaine (Hamaty), and siblings, Barbara Horwath, Mary Slovak, Sophie Cerwinsky, Helen Bonitz, Betty Brida, Theresa Vennarini, John Brzana, Tom Brzana and Mike Brzana.  Survived by sole remaining sibling out of eleven, Hedy (Bob) Carrara and numerous nieces and nephews. Graduate of Windber High School in 1947, drafted to the United States Army from 1951-1953 for the Korean War.  Studied electronics repair at Johnstown High “Veterans” School where Joe met his sweetheart Elaine in 1954, married in 1958.  Joe adored Elaine into eternity.  Retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation as a Crane man after 38 years of service.  Joe was honored to be a member and retired usher of St. Benedicts Catholic Church.Joe was most proud of his children, Dr. Ron (Joan) Brzana, Mike Brzana, Mary Jo (Jeff) Byroade, Naomi Brzana and beloved Grandchildren, Ethan, Dr. Emily (David) and Elyse.  Joe would work long hours at his job, care for his family and maintain his ponderosa as he called it with immense pleasure.  Taking care of everyone was Joe’s job.  Joe never boasted or sought gratitude, many things he did for his family and others were silent.  Joe’s philosophy was simple, yet profound, love God, be satisfied in whatever you have, and everything will come into place. Special thanks to Dr. Ellenberger and office manager, Chrissy for many years of compassionate care.  Dad loved talking to his niece, Gale (Terry) Sipe.  Thank you Gale for loving our father.  There was never a better brother in law than Dr. Ron (Linda) Hamaty.  Ron was always there for his sister, Elaine and continued to be there for Joe after Elaine’s passing in 2016. Extreme gratitude to St. Judes Haven, heartfelt thanks to Windber Hospice, especially nurse Abbie for her special care of our father and Chaplain Gieta for all her loving prayers.  Praise for Dad’s dog, Maggie who loved her Pappy.  The Brzana family is forever grateful to all who made Dad’s days blessed, especially St. Benedict eucharistic minister, Walt who visited Joe faithfully.

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” 

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. Committal, Grandview Cemetery, with Military graveside rites by the Conemaugh Valley Marine Corps League, Detachment #287. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church and Windber Hospice.